Beef chop suey is a classic Chinese-American dish that has been popular in the United States since the late 19th century. It features tender strips of beef and vegetables cooked in a savory sauce, usually served over rice. With its delicious blend of flavors and textures, it’s easy to see why this dish has stood the test of time.
In this article we’ll explore everything you need to know about beef chop suey including its origins, ingredients, and tips for making it at home. Whether you’re new to this tasty recipe or looking to perfect your technique, read on for the ultimate guide to beef chop suey!
A Brief History of Beef Chop Suey
While the exact origins of beef chop suey are unclear, most food historians agree it was likely invented in America, not China. Chinese immigrants arriving in the US in the 1800s adapted their cooking techniques to work with local ingredients. Chop suey emerged as a quick, tasty way to make a meal out of scrap meats and vegetables.
The name comes from the Cantonese words for “mixed pieces,” referring to the assorted mix of ingredients Chop suey quickly spread across the country as Chinese restaurants proliferated. Each establishment put its own spin on the recipe, leading to many variations we still enjoy today
Traditional Ingredients in Beef Chop Suey
While recipes can vary, certain core ingredients are essential for making classic beef chop suey:
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Beef – Typical cuts include sirloin, round steak, chuck roast, or ribeye, sliced into thin strips. Pork, chicken, shrimp, or tofu can also be used.
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Onions – Yellow, white, or green onions add aromatics.
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Celery – Thinly sliced for crunch.
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Bean sprouts – For texture and freshness.
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Water chestnuts – Canned or fresh, they add sweet crunch.
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Mushrooms – Fresh or canned, add hearty flavor.
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Soy sauce – For salty, savory depth.
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Rice wine – Adds a touch of sweetness.
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Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce.
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Vegetable oil – For stir-frying.
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Rice – Served underneath to soak up the sauce.
How to Make Beef Chop Suey at Home
Making beef chop suey is easy once you’ve prepped all the ingredients. Here are the basic steps:
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Mix the beef with cornstarch, oil, and seasoning. Let marinate 10-15 minutes.
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Prep the vegetables – slice, dice, or julienne them into uniform pieces.
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Make the sauce by combining soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and seasonings.
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Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Cook beef in batches until browned then remove.
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Stir fry vegetables starting with onions, adding carrots, celery, bean sprouts, chestnuts, and mushrooms.
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Return beef to pan and add sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes until thickened.
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Serve over steamed white rice garnished with chow mein noodles or green onions.
Tips for Making the Best Beef Chop Suey
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Use a tender beef cut like sirloin or ribeye and slice it thinly across the grain.
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Don’t overload the wok when stir-frying. Cook ingredients in batches.
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Add vegetables in order from longest to shortest cooking time.
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Adjust sauce ingredients to suit your taste – add more soy sauce, rice wine, or spices.
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Serve with white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Fried rice or noodles work too.
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Garnish with crispy chow mein noodles, green onion, or sesame seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sauce is used in beef chop suey?
The typical sauce contains soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and seasonings like garlic, ginger, or five-spice powder. Oyster sauce or hoisin are sometimes added too.
What can I serve with beef chop suey?
White rice is the most common accompaniment, but it also pairs well with fried rice, lo mein noodles, or veggie sides like stir-fried broccoli.
Can I make beef chop suey gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I freeze leftover beef chop suey?
Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.
Is beef chop suey healthy?
Made with lean beef and lots of veggies in a light sauce, it can be a nutritious meal. Go easy on extra salt, oil, and high-carb sides.
Satisfy Your Craving with Homemade Chop Suey
With its rich history and delicious flavors, beef chop suey is a treat you can easily recreate at home. Follow the recipe tips above for making the perfect crisp-tender beef and vegetables in a flavorful sauce. Serve it over hot rice and you’ll feel like you ordered take-out – only better! This American Chinese classic is a quick, tasty, and budget-friendly meal the whole family will love.
